Thread: Praying versus acting

I think in the future it will be recognized that we exist in both worlds with the materialists simply denying the other world exists. The reconciliation will come with a greater understanding of this thing called consciousness. When we understand better exactly what consciousness is.. It is inevitable, IMO. In finally getting a better grasp on this thing, this will be a world view changing deal. And materialism will be relegated to the flat earther category.

The flaw in his reasoning lies in the following statement:

As I stated earlier, holy books contain pronouncements about the physical world. Such pronouncements are rooted in the incorrect beliefs of our ancestors, who lived when faith and science were not yet separate disciplines.

That is only a valid statement if "such pronouncements" really are "incorrect."

If it is not known whether or not the pronouncement is correct or if the pronouncement really is correct, despite its humble origins, then those parts of the so-called "holy books" that overlap the physical world have to be taken seriously, even if only to investigate further.

I'm reminded of the so-called "free thinkers" who categorically eschew a potential source of "truth" in religious thought. It's O.K. to bifurcate "physical" from "spiritual," but neither side can afford to dismiss each area's findings of fact.

Originally Posted by kowalskil

The following advice is from a prayer book:

“Pray as if everything depended upon God, act as if everything depended on you.”

I think that this is consistent with the idea of NOMA, formulated by the biologist Stephen Gould. We exist in the material world; God exists in the spiritual world.

The context in which the idea of NOMA was formulated is summarized in my article about futile conflicts between theists and atheists:

atheist

The quotes needs no explanation as an explanation gives room for people to be egoistic and ignore the quote.

Originally Posted by kowalskil

The following advice is from a prayer book:

“Pray as if everything depended upon God, act as if everything depended on you.”

I think that this is consistent with the idea of NOMA, formulated by the biologist Stephen Gould. We exist in the material world; God exists in the spiritual world.

The context in which the idea of NOMA was formulated is summarized in my article about futile conflicts between theists and atheists:

atheist

Well, I disagree with the OP title insofar as it comprises a false dichotomy to the extent it implies that one can either pray or act; the fact is, one can do both.

Using myself as an example, some time ago I took to uttering a short prayer before I walk into the hospital; basically, [and to paraphrase] asking God to bless my work. Don't ask to me to prove it accomplished anything, because I can't. But my faith is such that I believe God is capable of working through people without them being aware of it.

And I think the vast majority of Christians look at prayer the same way. Not to discount the fact there are times that one can only pray when things are totally in God's hands.

Regarding NOMA: the late Stephen Gould posited that within the context of Darwin vs ID or creationism.

Not sure what Stephen would think of your application of it.